Opera Great Jessye Norman Talks to GPB

The Grammy-winning opera singer Jessye Norman first discovered her love of opera as a child growing up in Augusta.

That led to a career singing in some of the world's most celebrated opera houses, making her a beloved international star.

She came back home this week to perform in concert. The concert, at St. Paul's Church in Augusta on Friday, will benefit the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. The school provides arts instruction for young people.

The concert also features performances by musicians Wycliffe Gordon, Damien Sneed, De'Adre Aziza and Mark Markham. Tickets are available from the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. For more information about the concert, click here.

Click the audio link to hear Norman, talk to GPB's Mary Ellen Cheatham about life in Augusta, her rise to international stardom, race and a chance meeting with soul singer James Brown!

You can also hear an interview with jazz trombonist and singer Wycliffe Gordon, a Waynesboro native, from 2008 by clicking here.